FEBRUARY 12, 2019 AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
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FEBRUARY 12, 2019
AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Evening Schedule
6:00 – 7:00 COCKTAILS
7:00 – 10:00 AWARDS / DINNER
About the Trophies
When the best of Maryland racing and breeding is celebrated this
evening at the second annual Renaissance Awards, the recipients will
be handed a trophy – a striking bronze of an exquisite Thoroughbred
head – specifically created by artist Peggy Kauffman.
Kauffman (left), an accomplished horsewoman, has
been a portrait artist of more than 30 years who works in
bronze sculpture and pastel painting. In addition to her
portraiture, she has created trophies that are presented
at Fair Hill Races, and for horse show events in New York.
MHBA Executive Director Cricket Goodall had seen the
work of Kauffman on display at last fall’s “Art for Land’s
Sake” benefit for the Valleys Planning Council, and reached out to her
about creating a Renaissance Awards trophy.
The bronze is approximately 11 inches long, 31⁄2 inches wide and
8 ⁄2 inches high, though a two-inch base adds to its height. Kauffman has
1
her bronzes cast at New Arts Foundry in Baltimore, which uses the lost
wax casing process. It can take months from the
time a piece of art in its clay form arrives at the
foundry until the bronze is finished. Design and
size are among the factors.
Kauffman, who made the six-hour trip to Balti-
more from her home in Millerton, N.Y., to oversee
much of the process, launched her career as
an artist by first going to art school in New York
before taking courses at the Maryland Institute
College of Art, but noted her main education was
“when I worked and rode for a (show) horse dealer in New York state for
years.” She had competed professionally with show and event horses.
While she no longer rides, Kauffman owns two off-the-track Thorough-
breds, one a son of Affirmed. “I’ve always been partial to them – that’s what
I grew up with and always had,” she said. “When you work for a horse
dealer for that length of time and see all the horses coming in, you know
exactly how a horse is put together to make it most suitable for a certain
discipline–who would be a dressage horse, an event horse. . . that is the
mainstay of my education.”
A Celebration of Maryland Racing
Unity leads to continued
growth for racing, breeding
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Thoroughbred
Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Jockey Club welcome you to
the second Renaissance Awards program recognizing excellence in
Thoroughbred racing and breeding in 2018.
The name of the awards program—inaugurated last year to provide
industry participants with one gala for all groups—is a reflection of
what has occurred in Maryland in recent years as a result of a 10-year
stakeholder agreement coupled with a dedicated share of revenue
from video lottery terminals at the state’s six casinos to support
purses and breed development programs.
The number of live racing dates has gradually increased at Laurel
Park each year, and that will be the case again with 168 awarded for
2019. Combined with Pimlico Race Course and the Maryland State Fair
at Timonium there will again be a year-round racing schedule.
The MJC, in partnership with the MTHA, continues to build upon an
already strong open stakes schedule that includes new races for this
year. One objective is to create additional Breeders’ Cup prep races in
September, with a goal of hosting a Breeders’ Cup in 2022.
After a period of decline, the number of stallions and mares bred
in Maryland began increasing several years ago and appears to have
stabilized thanks to additional interest in investing in Maryland racing
and breeding. MHBA officials said in 2018 the number of mares bred
to Maryland stallions was nearly 13 percent higher than the previous
year, recording highest jump of any state in the top 10.
“We have a great and thriving horse industry in Maryland,” said
Michael Algeo, Chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission. “Part of
the success recognizes that it takes all stakeholders to work together
to make progress happen. We have challenges ahead but we hope
to continue working together and hope our legislative partnership
continues.”
“This industry could not survive without our partnership,” said Tim
Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer of The Stronach Group. “Racing is in
great health and growing in Maryland.”
Congratulations to all of the Renaissance honorees for 2018. Enjoy
your evening as we celebrate the success of 2018 and look forward to
another year of progress and growth for Maryland racing and breeding.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929
Pimlico Backstretch Worker of the Year
GABRIEL EMMANUEL
When Gabriel Emmanuel arrived from his
native Haiti, he hadn’t worked with horses. But
that’s where he landed in 1997, and he has
been at it ever since.
Emmanuel, 63, who moved to the United
States in 1994 and lives in Glen Burnie, Md.,
with his wife, Adeline, has been part of the
team as a groom for trainer Mary Eppler at
Pimlico Race Course for more than four years.
He regularly has five horses under his care and was the groom for Mid-Atlantic
favorite Page McKenney, who was retired in August 2018 with a tendon injury.
Page McKenney, who won 22 races and earned almost $2 million in seven years of
racing, took Emmanuel to a variety of racetracks outside of Maryland. Emmanuel
said he had enjoyable experiences traveling to Gulfstream Park, Parx Racing,
Charles Town and even Mountaineer to care for Page McKenney, who had most of
his success after a claim by Eppler.
Laurel Backstretch Worker of the Year
LUIS BARAJAS
Luis Enrique Barajas, a native of Mexico, said
his love of animals has served him well during
his 10 years working with horses in Maryland.
Barajas, 28, works as a groom for Laurel Park-
based Brittany Trimble Russell, who launched
her own training operation in early 2018. The
native of Mexico worked for Dane Kobiskie
when he came to the United States in 2008,
and after that was employed by John Robb.
“I really like the horses—I like animals,” Barajas said. “They’re really smart and they
understand. And Brittany is very nice. She has helped me a lot and so has Sheldon
(Russell, the jockey who married Trimble in 2018).”
Barajas, who is responsible for six horses daily, has worked for Trimble for almost
15 months. He said he got involved in the business through his family, which has
raced horses in Mexico for many years.
A Celebration of Maryland Racing
Maryland-Bred Steeplechaser Finalists
DAWN WALL
Not For Love—Guelph, by Sky Classic
Foaled at Murmur Farm, Darlington
Breeder: Mary Voss
Owner: The Fields Stable
Trainer: Elizabeth Voss
Dawn Wall raced three times in her 5-year-old
season, and recorded her first career victory in the
Iris Ann Coggins Memorial Stakes at Fair Hill in late
May over 10 rivals, closing strongly from nearly 10 lengths back.
MAVOURNEEN
Langfuhr—Rowdy, by Malibu Moon
Foaled at Murmur Farm, Darlington
Breeder: Mary Voss
Owner: Bethany Baumgardner
Trainer: Gerard Galligan
Mavourneen got a late start as an 8-year-old in
September and, after being pulled up in a race
at Shawan Downs, she won a maiden special
weight event at Foxfield in October and then won an allowance race at Montpelier
in November over hurdles to wrap up her year.
RAVEN’S CHOICE
Dance With Ravens—Millashand, by Regal Intention
Foaled at Fox Harbor Farm, White Hall
Breeder: Cary W. Jackson
Owner: Ann Jackson
Trainer: Todd J. Wyatt
Raven’s Choice raced twice during his 11-year-
old year and once again showed his prowess for
going long—very long—in timber races. At Grand
National in his 2018 debut, the gelding lost the lead late and finished a game
second in the 3¼-mile Grand National Timber in Butler.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929
Maryland-Bred 2YO Male Finalists
ALWAYSMINING
Stay Thirsty—What Will Be, by Anees
Foaled at Hitchcock Plains, Fallston
Breeder: Avla Pitts
Owner: Runnymede Racing
Trainer: Kelly Rubley
Alwaysmining entered the Kelly Rubley barn in late
summer and won three of four starts including two
stakes—the Maryland Juvenile Futurity and the open
Heft Stakes, both at Laurel Park. The gelding banked $191,192 in his first season
of racing.
KNICKS GO
Paynter—Kosmo’s Buddy, by Outflanker
Foaled at GreenMount Farm, Glyndon
Breeder: Angie Moore
Owner: KRA Stud Farm
Trainer: Ben Colebrook
Knicks Go didn’t compete in Maryland in
his six starts but found much success at the
highest level of the sport. The richest
Maryland-bred runner last year, with $672,515 earned, he won the Grade 1
Breeders Futurity at Keeneland and finished second in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup
Juvenile at Churchill Downs after scoring his first time out at Ellis Park and placing
third in the Arlington-Washington Futurity.
OUR BRAINTRUST
Freud—Caller Trust, by Trust N Luck
Foaled at SBS Veterinary Services, Chesapeake City
Breeder: Barak Farm
Owner: Cathal A. Lynch and Stanton J. Smith Jr.
Trainer: Cathal A. Lynch
Our Braintrust debuted in early May and quickly
broke his maiden at Laurel. That was followed
by a trip to Belmont Park where he won the
Tremont Stakes. He returned to the races in the fall and in his final start of the
year finished second to Alwaysmining in the Maryland Juvenile Futurity.
A Celebration of Maryland Racing
Maryland-Bred 2YO Filly Finalists
BRUCIA LA TERRA
El Padrino—Happy Refrain, by Not For Love
Foaled at Willow Creek Farm, Glen Arm
Breeder: Sallyellen M. Hurst and Hugh H. Hurst
Owner: William M. Ferrone
Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Brucia La Terra was a handy winner of her debut in
a maiden special weight event at Saratoga Race
Course in mid-August, and in her second start after
a rest finish second to eventual Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies-G1 and Eclipse Award
winner Jaywalk in the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park.
MONEY FROMHEAVEN
Munnings—Smart Policy, by Smart Strike
Foaled at Shamrock Farm, Woodbine
Breeder: Timothy J. Rooney
Owner: Make Family First Stable
Trainer: Hamilton A. Smith
Money Fromheaven raced eight times last year and
it was her last couple of outings that had
the most impact. The filly broke her maiden at
Laurel Park in late October and, despite a jump in class to stakes company, captured
the Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship to end the year.
MY STAR POTENTIAL
Tritap—Cheers Darling, by Cuvee
Foaled at Dance Forth Farm, Chestertown
Breeder: Cary Frommer
Owner: Euro Stable
Trainer: Claudio A. Gonzalez
My Star Potential began her career at Timonium in
September with a maiden special weight victory
and in her final start won the Maryland Million
Lassie gate to wire. In between, she finished second, beaten a nose, in an allowance
event at Parx Racing to just miss a perfect 2018.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929
Maryland-Bred 3YO Male Finalists
CORDMAKER
Curlin—Tanca, by Polish Numbers
Foaled at Chanceland Farm, West Friendship
Breeder: Robert T. Manfuso and Katharine M. Voss
Owner: Hillwood Stable
Trainer: Rodney Jenkins
Cordmaker kicked off his 3-year-old season with
a blowout allowance victory at Laurel Park in
early April, and after a turf race in May was on the
sidelines for several months. He returned in the fall and capped his year with a win
against older runners in the Jennings Handicap at Laurel in December.
STILL HAVING FUN
Old Fashioned—Casual Kiss, by Dehere
Foaled at Thornmar Farm, Chestertown
Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnes
and Timothy L Keefe
Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable
and Terp Racing LLC
Trainer: Timothy L. Keefe
Still Having Fun made 11 starts, all stakes, and
earned $472,200, counting wins in the Frank Whiteley and Miracle Wood at Laurel
Park and Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. His three stakes-placings
included a third in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in his final start of 2018.
WHERESHETOLDMETOGO
El Padrino—Undisputed Legend, by Domestic Dispute
Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake City
Breeder: David H. Wade
Owner: Madaket Stables LLC, Ten Strike Racing,
Michael E. Kisber and Black Cloud Stable LLC
Trainer: Anthony Pecoraro
Whereshetoldmetogo won two Laurel Park
stakes, the Concern and the restricted Star de
Naskra, in the summer, and early in the year took the American Fabius Stakes at
Gulfstream Park. In his final start, the Grade 3 Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx Racing,
he just missed by a neck in a strong effort.
A Celebration of Maryland Racing
Maryland-Bred 3YO Filly Finalists
BLAMED
Blame—Salsa Star, by Giant’s Causeway
Foaled at Sagamore Farm, Glyndon
Breeder: Sagamore Farm
Owner: Cleber J. Massey
Trainer: Joel Marr and William I. Mott
Blamed raced five times in 2018, all in stakes,
and came away with four wins and $386,000 in
earnings. She began in New Mexico by winning the
El Paso Times, Island Fashion and Sunland Park Oaks by an average margin of nearly
6 lengths before hitting the sidelines. When she returned in the fall she was second
in the Grade 2 Raven Run at Keeneland behind Eclipse Award winner Shamrock
Rose and won the Grade 3 Comely at Aqueduct.
MAJESTIC REASON
Majestic Warrior—Love’s Reason, by Not For Love
Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake City
Breeder: Sycamore Hall LLC and Ellen Charles
Owner: Hillwood Stable LLC and Richard Golden
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Majestic Reason finished no worse than third in five
starts last year, all at Laurel Park. She broke her
maiden in her debut in June and, after a second in
allowance company, won the Miss Disco Stakes, finished second in the All Brandy Stakes
against older mares and wrapped up with a third in the Safety Kept Stakes.
MONTE CRISTA
Cape Blanco (Ire)—Aruban Sandwich, by Alphabet Soup
Foaled at Glade Valley Farms, Frederick
Breeder: Howard M. Bender Revocable Trust
Owner: Country Life Farm
Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta
After an off-the-board finish in her career debut
on dirt, Monte Crista moved to the grass and
rattled off three consecutive wins moving up the
ladder. Her high point in 2018 was a trip to Saratoga Race Course, where she won
the Riskaverse Stakes after a third in the Ta Wee Stakes at Indiana Grand Race
Course.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929
Maryland-Bred Older Male Finalists
BEACH VIEW
Giant’s Causeway—Love’s Blush, by Not For Love
Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake City
Breeder: Sycamore Hall Thoroughbreds LLC
Owner: Levy Racing
Trainer: Leonard Powell
California-based Beach View showed ability on
dirt and turf, and came close to being a two-time
graded stakes winner in 2018. He won the Grade 3
Cougar II at 1½ miles on dirt at Del Mar, and in the fall was a fast-closing third in
the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at Santa Anita.
LAKI
Cuba—Truthful Dutch, by Swear by Dixie
Foaled at Michaels and Baker Farm, Denton
Breeder: Tom Michaels and Lorna Baker
Owner: Hillside Equestrian Meadows
Trainer: Damon R. Dilodovico
Laki had three wins, two seconds and two thirds
in nine starts for earnings of $221,880. A win in
the Polynesian Stakes and second in the Grade 3
Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash gave him a MATCH Series division title, and he
added the Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes at Laurel in December. He
finished third in Monmouth’s Mr. Prospector and Laurel’s Dave’s Friend Stakes.
LEWISFIELD
Great Notion—Smart Crowd, by Crowd Pleaser
Foaled at Willowdale Farm, Butler
Breeder: Linda L. Zang
Owner: Linda L. Zang
Trainer: Jeff C. Runco
Lewisfield, who went 3-2-3 in 10 starts to earn
$243,675, cleared his second-level allowance
condition last winter at Laurel Park and then
raced in nine consecutive stakes. He won the Maryland Million Sprint Handicap
in dominating fashion and also took the Not For Love in March at Laurel. His five
stakes-placings included a third in the Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Stakes at Pimlico.
A Celebration of Maryland RacingMaryland-Bred Older Female Finalists
CRABCAKES
Great Notion—Aunt Elaine, by Charismatic
Foaled at Thornmar Farm, Chestertown
Breeder: Buckingham Farm
Owner: Morgan’s Ford Farm
Trainer: T. Bernard Houghton
Crabcakes, the 2017 champion 3-year-old filly
and sprinter in Maryland, had a limited campaign
last year but still came away with a victory in the
Maryland Million Distaff Handicap and a second-place finish in the Jameela Stakes,
both at Laurel Park. She also won allowance races at Laurel and Penn National.
I’M BETTY G
Into Mischief—Lady in Ermine, by Honour and Glory
Foaled at Wellington Park Farm, Woodbine
Breeder: Carol Kaye and Boyce Stable
Owner: Three Diamonds Farm
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
I’m Betty G didn’t race in Maryland last year
but found success in stakes in the Midwest and
Kentucky. Racing exclusively on the turf, she won the
Lady Canterbury Stakes at Canterbury Park in June and followed with a victory in the
Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies at Ellis Park and was twice stakes-placed.
MY SISTERSLEDGE
Etched—Blushing Bride, by Miesque’s Son
Foaled at Bonita Farm, Darlington
Breeder: John Banner and Cheri Banner
Owner: John Banner and Cheri Banner
Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta
My Sistersledge won half of her eight starts in
2018 with three wins on turf and the other on
dirt, and she proved her versatility in going short
or long. Her stakes win came in the Maryland Million Ladies, and she finished a
fast-closing third in the six-furlong Jameela Stakes.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929Maryland-Bred Sprinter Finalists
LAKI
Cuba—Truthful Dutch, by Swear by Dixie
Foaled at Michaels and Baker Farm, Denton
Breeder: Tom Michaels and Lorna Baker
Owner: Hillside Equestrian Meadows
Trainer: Damon R. Dilodovico
Laki had three wins, two seconds and two thirds in
nine starts for earnings of $221,880. A win in the
Polynesian Stakes and second in the Grade 3 Frank
J. De Francis Memorial Dash gave him a MATCH Series division title, and he added
the Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes at Laurel in December. He
finished third in Monmouth’s Mr. Prospector and Laurel’s Dave’s Friend Stakes.
LEWISFIELD
Great Notion—Smart Crowd, by Crowd Pleaser
Foaled at Willowdale Farm, Butler
Breeder: Linda L. Zang
Owner: Linda L. Zang
Trainer: Jeff C. Runco
Lewisfield, who went 3-2-3 in 10 starts to earn
$243,675, cleared his second-level allowance
condition last winter at Laurel Park and then raced in nine consecutive stakes. He
won the Maryland Million Sprint Handicap in dominating fashion and also took
the Not For Love in March at Laurel. His five stakes-placings included a third in the
Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Stakes at Pimlico.
STILL HAVING FUN
Old Fashioned—Casual Kiss, by Dehere
Foaled at Thornmar Farm, Chestertown
Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnes
and Timothy L Keefe
Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable
and Terp Racing LLC
Trainer: Timothy L. Keefe
Still Having Fun made 11 starts, all stakes, and
earned $472,200, counting wins in the Frank Whiteley and Miracle Wood at Laurel
Park and Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. His three stakes-placings
included a third in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in his final start of 2018.
A Celebration of Maryland RacingMaryland-Bred Turf Runner Finalists
BEACH VIEW
Giant’s Causeway—Love’s Blush, by Not For Love
Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake City
Breeder: Sycamore Hall Thoroughbreds LLC
Owner: Levy Racing
Trainer: Leonard Powell
California-based Beach View showed ability on dirt
and turf, and came close to being a two-time graded
stakes winner in 2018. He won the Grade 3 Cougar
II at 1½ miles on dirt at Del Mar, and in the fall was a fast-closing third in the Grade
2 Hollywood Turf Cup at Santa Anita.
I’M BETTY G
Into Mischief—Lady in Ermine, by Honour and Glory
Foaled at Wellington Park Farm, Woodbine
Breeder: Carol Kaye and Boyce Stable
Owner: Three Diamonds Farm
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
I’m Betty G didn’t race in Maryland last year
but found success in stakes in the Midwest and
Kentucky. Racing exclusively on the turf, she won the
Lady Canterbury Stakes at Canterbury Park in June and followed with a victory in the
Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies at Ellis Park and was twice stakes-placed.
MONTE CRISTA
Cape Blanco (Ire)—Aruban Sandwich, by Alphabet Soup
Foaled at Glade Valley Farms, Frederick
Breeder: Howard M. Bender Revocable Trust
Owner: Country Life Farm
Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta
After an off-the-board finish in her career debut
on dirt, Monte Crista moved to the grass and
rattled off three consecutive wins moving up the
ladder. Her high point in 2018 was a trip to Saratoga Race Course, where she won
the Riskaverse Stakes after a third in the Ta Wee Stakes at Indiana Grand Race
Course.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929Maryland-Bred Horse Of The Year Finalists
BLAMED
2015 filly, Blame—Salsa Star, by Giant’s Causeway
Foaled at Sagamore Farm, Glyndon
Breeder: Sagamore Farm
Owner: Cleber J. Massey
Trainer: Joel Marr and William I. Mott
Blamed raced five times in 2018, all in stakes,
and came away with four wins and $386,000 in
earnings. She began in New Mexico by winning
the El Paso Times, Island Fashion and Sunland Park Oaks by an average margin
of nearly 6 lengths before hitting the sidelines. When she returned in the fall she
was second in the Grade 2 Raven Run at Keeneland behind Eclipse Award winner
Shamrock Rose and won the Grade 3 Comely at Aqueduct.
KNICKS GO
2016 colt, Paynter—Kosmo’s Buddy, by Outflanker
Foaled at GreenMount Farm, Glyndon
Breeder: Angie Moore
Owner: KRA Stud Farm
Trainer: Ben Colebrook
Knicks Go didn’t compete in Maryland in his six
starts but found much success at the highest level
of the sport. The richest Maryland-bred runner last
year, with $672,515 earned, he won the Grade 1 Breeders Futurity at Keeneland and
finished second in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs after scoring
first time out at Ellis Park and placing third in the Arlington-Washington Futurity.
STILL HAVING FUN
2015 colt, Old Fashioned—Casual Kiss, by Dehere
Foaled at Thornmar Farm, Chestertown
Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnes
and Timothy L Keefe
Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable
and Terp Racing LLC
Trainer: Timothy L. Keefe
Still Having Fun made 11 starts, all stakes, and
earned $472,200, counting wins in the Frank Whiteley and Miracle Wood at Laurel
Park and Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. His three stakes-placings
included a third in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in his final start of 2018.
A Celebration of Maryland RacingMaryland Broodmare of the Year
CASUAL KISS
2008, Dehere—Bushel and a Peck, by Numerous
Owned and bred by Charles and Cynthia McGinnes
Casual Kiss, the dam of 2018 graded stakes-
winning sophomore sprinter and Maryland-bred
champion finalist Still Having Fun and undefeated
juvenile Stranger Danger, descends from generations
foaled and raised at Charles and Cynthia McGinnes’
Thornmar Farm in Chestertown, going back to the couple’s long association with
the horses owned by the late Dr. Philip J. Torsney. Casual Kiss is a granddaugher of
stakes winner and sensational broodmare Foolish Kisses, bred by the McGinneses
and raced by Torsney.
The McGinneses sold Casual Kiss as a yearling to owner Arnold Heft for $20,000.
She was injured before she ever started and attempts to bring her back after lengthy
layoffs were unsuccessful. Heft sought to find a home for her and Casual Kiss’ trainer,
Tim Keefe, turned to the McGinneses. Casual Kiss has produced five foals, three of
racing age, all winners. Not in foal for 2019, the mare is currently in Kentucky waiting
to be bred to Arrogate.
Maryland Stallion of the Year
GREAT NOTION
2000, Elusive Quality—Evening Primrose, by Dayjur
Stands at Northview Stallion Station, Chesapeake City
For the third year in a row, Great Notion has been
named Maryland Stallion of the Year, and the award
comes off his best year ever. The 19-year-old son of
Elusive Quality, who has stood his entire career at
Northview Stallion Station in Chesapeake City, had
progeny earnings of nearly $3.8 million in 2018, more
than a million better than his previous high set in 2017.
Great Notion led all Maryland stallions with 10 stakes winners, 17 stakes horses
total, topped by his graded stakes-winning daughter Ruby Notion. Winner of back-to-
back stakes at Saratoga (the Caress) and Kentucky Downs (Grade 3 Kentucky Downs
Ladies Sprint), the 5-year-old mare made her final start of the year in the Breeders’
Cup Turf Sprint-G1 against males and finished fourth, just a length out of third after
getting blocked in the stretch. Other 2018 stakes winners include Maryland-bred
champion finalists Crabcakes (older female) and Lewisfield (older male/sprinter).
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929Maryland Breeder of the Year
SYCAMORE HALL
THOROUGHBREDS
Richard L. Golden’s Sycamore Hall Thoroughbreds led all state breeders by
number of stakes winners bred in 2018, and total earnings of runners bred solely
or in partnership. This is Sycamore Hall’s first Maryland Breeder of the Year award.
Golden owns and operates Sycamore Hall in Chesapeake City, just down the
road from Northview Stallion Station, which he was instrumental in launching
with the late Allaire du Pont and other partners in 1989 and is president and
CEO. Golden has regularly been among the leading breeders by Maryland Fund
earnings, topping the list in 2015 and 2016, and has bred dozens of stakes
winners.
Sycamore Hall-bred stakes winners in 2018 were Beach View, winner of the
Grade 3 Cougar II Handicap at Del Mar and third in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup
and a finalist for Maryland champion turf horse and champion older male; Victory
Rally, whom Golden campaigned to win the Geisha Stakes at Laurel; Elevated
Vision, winner of Laurel’s Politely Stakes; and Maryland Million Nursery winner
Follow the Dog. Elevated Vision and Follow the Dog are by Northview stallions
Great Notion and Bandbox, respectively. In partnership with Ellen Charles’ Hillwood
Stable, Golden bred and campaigned Maryland champion 3-year-old filly finalist
Majestic Reason.
In all, Sycamore Hall-bred runners of 2018 made 243 starts, with 34 wins, 45
seconds and 43 thirds, for earnings of $1,694,996. The top earner was veteran
Rockinn On Bye, who made a dozen starts in 2018 at age 7, placing in five stakes
and earning $147,648.
A Celebration of Maryland RacingMaryland Jockey of the Year Finalists
WESTON HAMILTON
Weston Hamilton, who rode as an apprentice for most of 2018,
won 106 races in Maryland and finished second overall by wins
among jockeys in the state—and on Jan. 24 learned he had been
voted the Eclipse Award winner as outstanding apprentice jockey.
Hamilton, who began riding in 2017, also had 90 seconds and
114 thirds for Maryland earnings of a little more than $3 million.
Overall, he won 120 races for total earnings of $3.5 million. He
was second by wins during the winter/spring meet at Laurel Park,
third in the standings during the summer meet and tied for second for the fall meet.
Hamilton was the regular rider last year for trainer Dale Capuano. The list of
horses he rode includes Timeless Curls, who four races during her 3-year-old season
and in her first start of 2019 captured the Nellie Morse Stakes at Laurel Park.
JULIAN PIMENTEL
Julian Pimentel had 370 starts at Maryland racetracks in 2018
but racked up 82 victories, 49 seconds and 49 thirds for in-state
earnings of $2.8 million. The local mainstay recorded 94% of his
starts in Maryland for the year.
Pimentel won five stakes in Maryland, three of them for trainer
Mike Trombetta: In the Navy Now (Nellie Morse), Souper Striking
(Hilltop) and My Sistersledge (Maryland Million Ladies). He also won
the Maryland Million Nursey with Follow the Dog and the Sensible
Lady Stakes with New York invader Fire Key.
Pimentel is the regular rider of the Trombetta-trained Win Win Win, who as a 2-year-
old won his first two starts and then finished second in the Heft Stakes at Laurel Park.
JORGE A. VARGAS JR.
Jorge Vargas Jr. made the most of his commitment to ride in
Maryland in 2018 as he led all jockeys by wins with 110 over
all meets. He set the stage for his success by taking the winter/
spring meet title at Laurel Park with 52 victories.
Vargas, who also posted 109 seconds and 80 thirds for
Maryland earnings of $4 million, won 34 races elsewhere and had
total 2018 purse earnings of $5.4 million.
His biggest win in Maryland came with Ms Locust Point in the Grade 2, $300,000
Barbara Fritchie Stakes at Laurel Park roughly a month after the filly took the What a
Summer Stakes, also at Laurel.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
Since 1929Maryland Trainer of the Year Finalists
CLAUDIO GONZALEZ
Claudio Gonzalez had the most starters of any trainer in Maryland
in 2018 with 478 and finished the year with 115 victories in the
state. His Maryland earnings of $3.3 million alone eclipsed his best
overall total in his career, and from all starts won 155 races with
horses that earned $4.3 million.
Gonzalez won the training title at each of the three meets at
Laurel Park, where he is based. Along with his win total, Gonzalez had
83 seconds and 71 thirds in Maryland.
Six Gonzalez trainees each banked more than $100,000, led by the filly Sneaky
Betty at $281,700. The others were Afleet Willy, who won the Native Dancer and John B.
Campbell stakes at Laurel; Grasshoppin, who captured two Pennsylvania-bred stakes;
Lady by Choice, Sonic Boom E Jet; and Hashtag Selfie.
PHIL SCHOENTHAL
When it came to stakes wins in Maryland, Phil Schoenthal had
quite a 2018. Of his 29 overall victories in Maryland, eight—27.5%—
came in stakes, all of them at Laurel Park.
Schoenthal, whose horses overall won 56 races last year and
earned more than $1.2 million, had two runners that won multiple
stakes including the veteran Sonny Inspired, who won the Ben’s Cat
and Find stakes and earned $133,750 last year. Sonny Inspired, a
winner of more than $600,000, has been in Schoenthal’s barn for all 58 of his starts.
River Deep, who banked $110,295, won the Bert Allen Stakes for Virginia-breds and
the open Hansel Stakes during his 4-year-old campaign.
MIKE J. TROMBETTA
Fair Hill-based Mike Trombetta won 79 races last year, 54 of
them in Maryland where his earnings topped $2.2 million.
In the Navy Now (Nellie Morse), My Sistersledge (Maryland
Million Lassie) and Souper Striking (Hilltop) were Trombetta’s
Maryland stakes winners in 2018. My Sistersledge is a finalist
in the Maryland-bred older female category, and another of his
trainees, Monte Christa, is a finalist in the turf runner category.
Monte Christa, who won four races last year after a move to the grass, captured
the Riskaverse Stakes at Saratoga in August and was undefeated in two starts on
the turf at Laurel Park.
A Celebration of Maryland RacingMaryland Owner of the Year Finalists
HILLWOOD STABLE
Ellen Charles’ Hillwood Stable, comprised of homebred runners
and auction purchases, had 49 starts in Maryland in 2018 and
came away with 11 wins, six seconds and 11 thirds.
Shimmering Aspen, a now 5-year-old mare, captured the first
edition of the Timonium Distaff, and her $116,500 in earnings for
the year included another stakes victory—the Tax Free Shopping
Distaff at Delaware Park.
In late December, the gelding Cordmaker, then a 3-year-old, won
the Jennings Stakes for Maryland-breds at Laurel Park versus older horses to net his
first stakes victory.
MEN’S GRILLE RACING
The Men’s Grille Racing operation headed by David Robert Hughes
has grown in numbers in recent years, and 2018 proved very successful.
The stable accounted for 82 Maryland starts and collected 12 wins, 15
seconds and 16 thirds for earnings of more than $587,000.
The stable leader by earnings at $136,477 was Ghoul’s Night Out,
who raced 15 times during her 4-year-old year and rarely missed
finishing one-two-three while competing in allowance races. Then 3-year-old Twin Valor
raced 13 times and just missed hitting the $100,000 mark in earnings on the year.
Enchanted Ghost gave Men’s Grille Racing a stakes winner when she won the
Wide Country Stakes for fillies early in her 3-year-old season and returned off a layoff
to be competitive in allowance races versus older runners.
SUPER C RACING
Super C Racing, which was formed in 2017, ended up the
leading owner by wins in Maryland in 2018 with 48 from 173
starts. Along with 17 seconds and 30 thirds, the stable amassed
$1,042,664 in earnings in Maryland.
Overall, the ownership group led by Michael Coombs banked
more than $1.53 million with 64 total wins.
A major contributor to the earnings total was the filly Sneaky
Betty, who won two allowance races in Maryland last year but
also finished second in the Grade 2, $750,000 Delaware Handicap.
Two other horses in the stable cleared the $100,000 mark in earnings in 2018.
The filly Keep Your Distance won seven allowance or allowance/optional claiming
races in Maryland last year, while Clare’s Dowery was a four-time winner of claiming
and allowance events.
MARYLAND HORSE
BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
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